138 EEPORT OF OFFICE OF EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 



observations regarding natural crossing and other characters. Nu- 

 merous crosses between the most promising of these sorts were made 

 to stud}' the inheritance of the characters or qualities which made 

 the varieties apparently better than others. Careful notes on the 

 different f)lants used for crossing as well as on the different varieties 

 were made and self- fertilized seed Avas secured from the plants. The 

 analysis of factors concerned in earliness Avas taken up and the time 

 and rapidity of fniiting, the relative amount of shedding of squares 

 and bolls, the size of bolls, and other characters were studied. 



The life-history studies on scale insects were carried forward and 

 a bulletin on the subject was prepared. Considerable work was also 

 done on pecan insects and the peach-tree borer, and a large amount 

 of data was accumulated. Progress was further reported in the study 

 of the life history of species of crayfish occurring in Mississippi and 

 of the means for their control. 



In addition to the Adams fund work, the entomologist studied the 

 spread of the boll weevil in Mississippi and the causes for its move- 

 ment at different rates in the A^arious sections of the State. Much 

 time was giA^en to the study of the insect and the means of control- 

 ling it. A bulletin has alreadj^ been published on the subject. At- 

 tention was further given to insects attacking the coAvpea, and addi- 

 tions were made to the station collection of insect specimens. 



The work in agronomy included variety, fertilizer, and culture 

 tests with cotton, variety tests with corn, wheat, and forage crops, 

 and cultural tests Avith alfalfa. A topping experiment with cotton 

 Avas conducted, and it Avas shown that the plants topped July 15 

 gave a little Ijetter yield and were much earlier than those topped 

 later. An application of 10 tons of barnyard manure per acre was 

 found more effective in the prcA'ention of rust in cotton than 400 

 pounds of kainit. An experiment was also conducted in combating 

 the cotton worm which appeared about August 15 on the station 

 farm. Twelve varieties of cowpeas and 5 varieties of soy beans 

 were tested for yields of hay and seed. 



The horticultural work of the station under the Hatch fund con- 

 sisted of experiments with various fruits and ornamental plants, 

 especially Avith strawberiies, grapes, pecans, hedge plants, roses, and 

 ornamental shrubs. Cooperative work along these lines was begun 

 in different parts of the State. Two bulletins on this work Avere 

 published during the year. 



Poultry work was resumed by the station during the year and 

 experimental Avork, including feeding experiments Avith cotton-seed 

 meal as a source of protein for laying hens, inheritance of size of egg, 

 and testing incubators under local conditions, Avas begun. Observa- 

 tions Avere also made on local supplies of feed for hens and chicks, 



